Inside Education Reporter
Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule delivered the welcoming address at the recent annual conference, saying, “The Lekgotla is a testament to our collective commitment to actively construct a future where every learner has the foundation to thrive in a rapidly changing world, whilst the theme is a clarion call for action, reflection, and innovation across the entire spectrum of our basic education sector.”
Dr Mhaule added that “a multidisciplinary approach to learning is required to equip learners adequately. This approach transcends traditional subject boundaries, encouraging learners to make connections between different areas of knowledge and apply these insights to real-world problems.
“The role of digital technology in basic education has never been more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of digital literacy as a subject of study and a means of access to education”.
The role of teachers in equipping learners with the skills and knowledge for a changing world cannot be overstated, she said: “Investing in teacher development and support means not just enhancing their subject knowledge, but also equipping them with the skills to integrate technology into their teaching, adapt to new pedagogical approaches, and support the holistic development of their learners.”
Deputy Minister Mhaule also spoke to the subtheme, derived from the 2024 African Union central theme, Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.
“To educate an African fit for the 21st century, we must commit to providing every learner with access to education that is foundational and flexible, enabling them to navigate the lifelong learning path with agility and confidence. This requires an unwavering dedication to inclusivity, ensuring no child is left behind, irrespective of their background.
“Our goals for this Lekgotla compel us to scrutinise our current strategies within South Africa and globally to strengthen Early Childhood Development and foundational learning. Furthermore, we are tasked with harnessing digital technologies and the emerging phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence (AI) effectively.
“Equipping our learners with knowledge and skills for a changing world, particularly in entrepreneurship, requires reimagining our curriculum to prepare learners for tomorrow’s opportunities.
“We will further delve into the modernisation of learner assessment policies and practices, another critical area of focus. Our assessment methodologies must evolve to reflect these changes as we move towards a more skills-based and knowledge-driven basic education system.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
